Anything Goes : Film festival entry fees a rip off?? by Stephanie J. Castillo

I just posted this on Facebook and thought I'd post it here to see other responses. REJECTION, AGAIN AND AGAIN. Just got this today, it's a rejection notice from a film festival. A nice rejection letter, and almost exactly the same wording from the 30+ other festivals that have rejected my award-winning, "every review a huge thumb up" Thomas Chapin film this year. I've spent more than $3000 on entry fees, and only gotten into 2 film festivals -- one where my film won BEST STORY, and the other where it was nominated for BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY. Those of you who have seen my film NIGHT BIRD SONG might be shocked. But I am not. Just disappointed that film festivals today are taking fee monies from thousands of filmmakers knowing they can't accept but a few. Sad state of affairs. I've stopped applying for now. It's not sour grapes; I'm trying to be responsible for the money many have donated to my film. This seem to be at least a conscientious act of consideration at this time to my donors. After raising more than $125,000 to make my film and spending 5 years making it, I ask, Am I throwing good money after bad??? <>